President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. told the new graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to live up to the tenets of honor and excellence, and cultivate the ability to recover amid existing challenges and threats to the country's security and safety. *President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (RTVM screenshot)*

Marcos issued this challenge as he led, for the first time, the Commencement Exercises of the PMA 'MADASIGON' (Mandirigmang May Dangal Simbolo ng Galing at Pagbangon) Class of 2023 at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday, May 21. In his speech, Marcos said he was hoping that the graduates would continue fueling their undying commitment to genuine love for the country and public service. "In all your tasks, diligently work for unity, respect for democratic ideals, institutions, and mechanisms, and the rule of law," he said. "Live up to the precepts that define your class identity, namely: honor, excellence, and ability to recover, and help lead our nation toward a progressive and prosperous future that we all aspire for," he added. With this, the President expressed confidence that the new graduates have been trained to be prepared for the daunting challenges that await them, saying the "true battles will now begin." "Existing realities in the rapidly evolving security environment impel us to be always prepared for any and all threats that our country might face," he said. "Purveyors of criminality, insurgency, and terrorism are the great interlopers in our peaceful aspirations that undermine our peace and stability and our march to prosperity in our sovereign domain and its environs," he added. "Your courage, strength, and skills have made you fit and qualified for admission into the Armed Forces and for deployment into the actual theaters of operations," he continued. As commander-in-chief, Marcos assured the graduates that he would closely work with them, the future leaders of the country's Armed Forces, in the collective public service in building a stronger and more resilient republic. "As you encounter challenges along the way, apply the hard-won lessons that you have learned while in the halls of the academy- clinging to the values of courage, integrity, and patriotism. That way, you will never lose your way," he said. With his first attendance at the PMA graduation as Commander-in-Chief, President Marcos led the awarding rites to 310 graduating cadets, composed of 238 males and 72 females. These cadets will be deployed to serve under the three branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 158 of whom are joining the Philippine Army (PA), 77 in the Philippine Navy (PN), and 75 in the Philippine Air Force (PAF). Out of the 310 cadets, Cadet 1CL Warren Leonor, who hails from Lipa City in Batangas, emerged as valedictorian of the graduating class. He received numerous awards, including the Presidential Saber from President Marcos Jr. This year's PMA top-notcher is set to join the Philippine Air Force.